Phosa says reports are lies
Mabuza initially demanded R10 million compensation from Phosa for crimen injuria. The figure has gone down to R1 million.
MBOMBELA – Former Mpumalanga premier, Dr Mathews Phosa said reports that current premier, Mr David Mabuza accused him of tarnishing his image to regain political influence in the province are untrue.
Also read: Premier: no comment on reports about suing predecessor at this stage
Phosa said the report by a Sunday newspaper originated in the closing arguments by Mabuza’s lawyer in the defamation case in the Pretoria High Court, and couldn’t be attributed to Mabuza.
“From what I know Mabuza didn’t say that. It was his lawyer who did. It’s lies that Mabuza actually said it,” Phosa said.
Mabuza initially demanded R10 million compensation from Phosa for crimen injuria. The figure has gone down to R1 million.
He is accusing Phosa of fabricating a report in which the premier was made out to be an apartheid spy.
Also read: Reporting spy allegations was his duty, says Phosa
Also read: Premier at loggerheads with Phosa
The newspaper quoted Mabuza’s lawyer, Adv Etiene Labuschagne SC, saying Phosa saw Mabuza as his rival, even though he was no longer directly involved in politics.
“I am told he was speaking very good about me on television. I don’t know what I should believe now, ” he said.
According to Phosa, both parties are not allowed to comment on the merits of the case because it is before the court. “The case is still sub judice. I cannot comment on that.”
Also read: M’langa the place of plots and dirty politics
Closing arguments in the case continued in the High Court this week.
